THE BENNETTS' CHRISTMAS (The Bennett Family and the Masters Family #6) - Brenda Jackson Page 0,57

the house for prolonged periods of time.

Those rules had worked well when she and Monica had shared the house with Kennedy and Victoria, and they should be okay for Parker, too. Rae’jean had given them her word that Parker was a dedicated doctor, and more importantly, a decent human being. After spending time with him that first day, she had to agree.

Now if she could only keep her rampant sexual thoughts of him under control, everything would be good. But then, she appreciated a gorgeous man just as much as the next person.

Over time, things inevitably wore off—even physical attractions. There was no reason for her to think it wouldn’t be that way with Parker.

But how much time would it take?

“Wait up, Dr. Stanhope.”

Parker turned around and saw the woman hurrying toward him, her blond hair bouncing with every step she took. “Yes, Dr. Nestor?”

“I was wondering how things are going for you?”

He was tempted to tell her that he would be doing a lot better if she’d stop cornering him every chance she got. If she thought that being seen in his company would send some kind of message—either to management, or the other staff—she was dreaming.

“Things are great. Finding my way around. Meeting patients, reviewing charts, getting to know everyone.”

She leaned in close and whispered, “I hope the nurses aren’t throwing themselves at you.”

He raised a brow. “The nurses?”

“Yes. They’re nice enough, but none have any real ambition. If they had, they’d be doctors.” She smiled smugly.

Parker stared at her, wondering where she got her nerve. But then, he knew a lot of people thought the way she did. His mother, Candace Stanhope, once had a similar attitude, thinking a lot of herself and not much of others. It had taken almost losing the love and respect of her only brother Grady, whom she adored, as well as a life-threatening bout with cancer, to make her realize that regardless of race, creed or color, all people bled red.

“I’m sorry you feel that way, Dr. Nestor. I happen to appreciate nurses for the professionals they are. They do things we don’t, and our patients are lucky to have them. But regardless, I’m much too busy to have a social life right now. I’m still learning my way around.”

“I’ll be glad to show you everything you need to know.”

Parker caught the double meaning in her offer. He was about to tell her that she didn’t have anything he wanted to see when his beeper went off. Pulling it out of his jacket pocket, he looked at it and said, “Sorry, I’ve got to run.” Then he quickly walked away, not feeling sorry at all.

A few hours later, after getting his patient’s condition stabilized, Parker entered his office and closed the door. He appreciated peaceful moments, no matter how infrequent they were. It was hard to believe he’d been here almost a week already. So far, he liked this hospital although it was a lot different from Boston Harbor Medical Center. It wasn’t as big but was just as busy.

And staying busy was a good thing. Then he wouldn’t have to think about his confusing feelings for his housemate. He hadn’t seen Sebrina in a few days. After they had spent time that first day together, he’d only caught sight of her twice on her way home.

She had explained that since her shift was from eleven at night to seven the next morning, she usually slept from around two in the evenings until it was time to get dressed for work.

He had enjoyed spending time with her that first day. Especially at lunch and while they had decorated the Christmas tree. Their conversation had been comfortable, light-hearted and relaxed, and he’d felt like they’d made a connection. But he hadn’t yet had a chance to find out if there was more to it.

Parker would often hear the sound of the garage door when she left at night for the hospital, and on occasion he would spot her car on the road while driving to work when she got off and was headed home. They were like ships that passed in the night. On his second day in town, he’d been away from the house for hours running errands—updating his driver’s license, getting new license plates for his car and establishing a post office box for his mail.

He had gone grocery shopping, stocking up on food as well as spices. The kitchen cabinets had been almost bare—with the exception of several bottles